Spanich cyclist Alberto Contador learned Monday that he has been stripped of his 2010 Tour De France championship.
Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador has lost his 2010 Tour De France title and will be ineligible to compete in the 2012 London Olympics.In a story that will slip below the radar screen here in the United States, Spanich cyclist Alberto Contador learned Monday that he has been stripped of his 2010 Tour De France title.
In another devastating blow to the sport of competitive cycling, Contador follows American Floyd Landis who was accused of doping and ultimately stripped of his 2006 Tour De France title.
In fact, as the New York Times noted in its Monday edition,
'Only two Tour de France winners since 1995 — Carlos Sastre in 2008 and Cadel Evans last year — have not become embroiled in controversies involving performance-enhancing drugs.'
Two years ago Floyd Landis, in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, admitted that he cheated, and implicated fellow American and 7-time Tour De France winner Lance Armstrong.
Monday's announcement regarding Contador came on the heals of an announced that prosecutors were dropping a federal investigation into doping claims against Armstrong who retired in February of 2011.
Back to Contador who's positive test came after being tested on the final day of rest in the 2010 Tour De France.
Contador, who apparently prefers Spanish meat, enjoyed a feast of veal tenderloin with several of his teammates. The veal was purchased by a friend and served to Contador, who then a positive test for clenbuterol, a substance associated with weight loss and muscle building.
Since 1995 only two Tour De France riders have steered clear of doping charges and controversy. Spain's Carlos Sastre, the 2008 Tour Champion, and Australian Cadel Evans who won the Tour in 2011.